Category: Chemotherapy

“I might have cancer.” It was nine months ago on March 6th when my GP called me to say I had an appointment with a surgeon ASAP. They didn’t say the “C” word, but it was the huge thought bubble in everyone’s head. I poked a pen in mine and burst it, putting off the […]

I guess now is a good time to discuss the changes cancer has made to my body and brain. It’s been 55 days since my last chemo infusion. Some studies suggest that I have been kicked ahead in time 10-15 years at the molecular level. These studies conclude that markers of ageing, such as decreased […]

At first, I thought it was just the acute stress of my Triple Negative Breast Cancer diagnosis. February 7th … I was on a train heading home, leaning my head against the freezing rain splattered window and crying. My GP had called the day before and said they had an appointment for me to see […]

I’m sure you’ve heard the parable comparing life to a cup of coffee. No? I will tell you the story now … Several students gathered at a favourite professor’s home for a reunion. Seeing eachother for the first time in years, they hugged and kissed, and became reacquainted through a lively discussion. They compared notes, […]

Do you remember that childhood chant? Sticks and stones May break my bones … But words will never hurt me. Even when I said it as a child, I didn’t believe it. Words hurt. They cut to the bone and lodge themselves deep within. They do permanent and lasting damage. CANCER. Is a terrifying word. […]

I’m in the final leg of my breast cancer journey. Today I went for my radiation consult & planning session. My Radiation Oncologist Dr. IQ* went through the risks, plans, pros/cons again and had me sign the consent form. I have a 30% chance of breast cancer reocurrance without radiation … 10% chance with. I’m […]

Ahhhh. Can you feel it? The heat of summer has slipped away, only to return for a last hurrah. The welcome warmth after a cold spell. Sun. Heat. Humidity. Solar radiation. People smile and say “Summer is finally here!” I nod and sniffle with my hayfever and scratch my wig covered head. Humidity makes me uncomfortable […]

While once having a deep and philosophical 5-hour telephone conversation with a potential date, we discussed the role of resilience in our lives. He had suffered huge losses. Marriage breakdown with a wife from Japan who wanted to go back, and take their 10-year-old daughter with her. He loved them both enough to say yes. […]